Everything's coming up pumpkin this fall

Graphics

The Bruxie Pumpkin Spice Shake is one reason why I love fall. Pumpkin foods abound this time of year.

Bruxie's crazy-delicious pumpkin shake is made with frozen custard from Wisconsin. The custard is heavy and dense, making Bruxie's shakes unmatched when it comes to thickness.

A plethora of pumpkin-infused foods can be found in every bakery, cafe, grocery store and restaurant in Orange County.

Here are a few more discoveries:

If you're looking for a frozen treat that's not so decadent, try Golden Spoon's nonfat pumpkin pie frozen yogurt. The clever marketing folks at the Rancho Santa Margarita chain, which has converted a few locations into self-serve shops, have paired the flavor with graham cracker. Because the flavors are dispensed from the same machine, you can get a “combo swirl” of both flavors in your cup. Genius.

Over at Blackmarket Bakery in Irvine, pastry goddess Rachel Klemek is celebrating the season with pumpkin ginger pound cakes, honey pumpkin tarts with torched meringue and pumpkin cranberry scones. Her pumpkin treats are guilty pleasures that leave you with no regrets. You can find Klemek's critically acclaimed shop near John Wayne Airport at 17941 Sky Park Circle, Irvine.

I haven't had time to get my hands on this wacky innovative treat, but you can bet I will. The year-old virtual store Boozy Bundtz is selling a seasonal spiked pumpkin bundt cake infused with Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey. The Anaheim Hills-based business laces all of its cakes with premium liquors. To order, email Tifney@BoozyBundtz.com or go to her Facebook page.

According to my social media fans, other noteworthy fall treats include the killer pumpkin spice pancakes at Mimi's Café, the pumpkin mustard dip with the sweet potato fries at Slater's 50/50 and the pumpkin spice muffins at Costco.

Tell us: Where do you find your favorite fall treats? Write in and let me know at nluna@ocregister.com.

Blackmarket

‘Kneads' Dough

As you might recall, I gave you the exclusive several weeks ago on Klemek's move to The Camp in Costa Mesa. Klemek, who recently won best pastry chef at the Golden Foodie Awards, has created a cultlike following for her retro baked goods and pastries over the years. At the indie mall, she plans to expand the business to include more fresh-baked breads.

To help with financing, she's launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund a state-of-the art oven for the Costa Mesa location. “Truly great loaves, rolls and buns – old-school style – need an extraordinary oven,” Klemek said.

She's hoping to raise $21,000. To make a pledge, go to
Kickstarter.com and search for “Blackmarket Bakery Kneads Dough.” The virtual fundraiser ends Nov. 7.

Restaurant Closures

The latest restaurant closures include Sushilicious in Irvine. It closed this month. The owner told me “business got slow and we decided not to continue on.”

SALVATORE Cucina Italiana in Mission Viejo closed this week. Here's the statement from the owner: “Unfortunately, my inability to negotiate a favorable lease with the landlord has left me with no other choice. This all happened very suddenly and I regret any inconvenience that this may cause you, especially for those people who have purchased our gift cards or one of our discounted gift certificates from any online-deal company such as Amazon Deals or Plum District.”

The Arby's in Aliso Viejo has closed permanently “due to lease termination,” according to an Arby's representative.

Opening Alert

Earl of Sandwich, a popular Florida-based sandwich chain, opened this week at Downtown Disney.

Not familiar with the Earl? The chain is known for its steaming-hot toasted sandwiches made with artisan bread and fresh deli ingredients. During my last two trips to Florida, we went out of our way to dine at the Earl of Sandwich shops in Tampa and Orlando.

This will be a great addition for Downtown Disney, which desperately needs more fast-casual dining spots. The restaurant is scheduled to have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. Friday.

In Costa Mesa, Inland Empire legend Miguel's Jr. opened last week. Miguel's Jr. is the quick-service sister restaurant to Miguel's Restaurant, founded in Corona in 1973. Got the midnight munchies? The Miguel's drive-through lane is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 3 a.m. Address: 141 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.